-LRB- Real Simple -RRB- -- Radio City Music Hall 's Rockettes tell how to find the very best hosiery , from opaques to wintry woolens : a true stocking feat

Best Regular Black Tights

Wolford , $ 42 -- A bit costlier than others , it 's true , but the luxurious material is featherlight while still providing dense coverage . What 's more , said one dancer , `` I tugged and tugged , and no runs . ''

Style : Satin Opaque 50 .

To Buy : Wolford , 800-965-3673 for locations .

Best Regular Color Tights

Berkshire Legwear , $ 9 -- Offered in a range of rich , vibrant shades that are surprisingly wearable and flattering , these tights are a fuss-free way to punch up a neutral dress . One tester said they gave her legs that `` smooth , after-you-shave feeling . '' Real Simple : DYI wardrobe fixes

Style : 3670 Lola in Opaque .

To Buy : www.essentialapparel.com .

Best Regular Patterned Tights

DKNY , $ 18 -- A pattern on legs can be tricky to pull off , but these argyles manage to look both sophisticated and fun . Plus , `` they really held up to my abuse , '' noted a Rockette .

Style : 0A830 Argyle Panel .

To Buy : Nordstrom , 888-282-6060 .

Best Control Top Black Tights

Berkshire Legwear , $ 8 -- The subtle , dressy shimmer makes legs look shapely and long , while a dose of spandex works to `` keep the jiggle away , '' said a tester . Real Simple : Best boots

Style : 4643 Shimmers Opaque .

To Buy : www.essentialapparel.com .

Best Control Top Color Tights

Hue , $ 11 -- This slimming pair offers a comfortable fit -- no binding waistband here -- in a rainbow palette . `` The color stayed opaque even when stretched out , '' noted a dancer .

Style : 6620 Opaque Control Top .

To Buy : www.hue.com .

Best Control Top Patterned Tights

Spanx , $ 28 -- The secret weapon behind dozens of slinky Oscar dresses trims the midsection , the thighs , and the rear , causing one Rockette to declare , `` I feel a size smaller . '' A unique diamond print showcases legs .

Style : Tight-End Diamond Pattern .

To Buy : www.bloomingdales.com .

Best Sweater Black Tights

Donna Karan , $ 30 -- A dancer singled out the `` nice elasticity '' of these unexpectedly thin but warm wool tights , which resisted bagging and buckling .

Style : 0A851 Tarnished Wool .

To Buy : Nordstrom , 888-282-6060 .

Best Sweater Color Tights

Hue , $ 18 -- Made of a soft cotton blend , this hose is n't `` scratchy at all , '' unlike many other knits . An earthy brown heather makes them a natural match for nubby tweeds and wools . Real Simple : Bras for every figure

Style : 3063 Marled Sweater .

To Buy : Nordstrom , 888-282-6060 .

Best Sweater Patterned Tights

Via Spiga , $ 24 -- The cozy cable-knit texture has an old-fashioned feel , while the cotton-blend tights ' gray shade will complement a variety of outfits . `` I ca n't wait to wear these in chilly weather , '' a tester said .

Style : Cable Sweater Knit .

To Buy : Bloomingdale 's , 866-593-2540 for locations .

Best Black Leggings

Capezio , $ 24 -- Not surprisingly , the Rockettes are fans of this dance-world staple . The leggings feel like `` a second skin , '' one tester said , and they kept their shape impeccably , even after a rigorous dance routine .

Style : 9479 Lowrise Ankle Legging .

To Buy : www.capeziodance.com .

Best Color Leggings

American Apparel , $ 26 -- These `` comfy , easy-to-wear '' leggings come in 27 neutral , bright , and jewel tones -- including forest , asphalt , eggplant , and raspberry -- plus three cute polka-dot prints .

Style : 8328 Cotton Spandex Jersey Legging .

To Buy : www.americanapparel.net . E-mail to a friend

Get a FREE TRIAL issue of Real Simple - CLICK HERE !

Copyright © 2009 Time Inc. . All rights reserved .

@highlight

Radio City Music Hall 's Rockettes test several types of tights

@highlight

Wolford black tights : `` I tugged and tugged , and no runs ''

@highlight

Spanx control top : '' `` I feel a size smaller ''

@highlight

Berkshire Legwear regular color : `` Smooth , after-you-shave feeling ''